News

The nominees for the coveted Spotlight Prize 2016 Awards were announced earlier this month, and we are delighted to say that our very own Melissa Fleming is included on the list.

Melissa is currently a third year Musical Theatre student at Mountview, and the hugely exciting new talent recently joined the Winterson’s books. The annual Spotlight Prize celebrates some of the most unique and exciting upcoming talent in the industry, with the award ceremony taking place on Tuesday 19th July at the Bloomsbury Ballrooms.

We spoke to Melissa ahead of the ceremony to get her views on what it means to be a nominee.

You’re up for a Spotlight Prize Award – could you please give us a brief introduction to what this is and how it came about?

“Well, the Spotlight Prize Award occurs every year and spotlight themselves announce that,” said Melissa. “Twenty of the UK’s most talented drama school graduates will compete in front of an exclusive VIP audience and industry professionals. Mountview have been really pleased with my progress and ability throughout my training and I was fortunate enough to be chosen as they see me as an ambassador for the school.”

You’ve been studying musical theatre at Mountview – what have been the principal things you’ve learnt there? Is it all about on-stage technique? Or has it helped you in other areas around the industry as well?

“A few principal things I’ve learned in the three years I would say would be firstly and importantly my on- stage technique but what the Mountview staff have also led me to do through careful guidance is me being able to explore my imagination, be able to be brave, courageous and fearless in everything that I face.”

And finally, you recently signed with Wintersons. What led to that decision and how did the process go?

“After my final show at Mountview and going to a few meetings I knew straight away Wintersons was for me. They excited me, I felt at home, and that I could put my trust in them.”

We are of course delighted to welcome Melissa onboard and wish her the best of luck in her nomination!